Why the BMW R100GS Paris Dakar is the most stout Adventure bike you can own!

If you already know me, i'm a huge BMW Motorcycle fan. And not just by choice, but by experience. These have been some of the best motorcycles i've owned. This is my BMW R100GS Paris Dakar. The legendary adventure bike from the late 80s and 90's. Here is a short video on why these are so great.
Thanks for watching!
00:00-02:35 - Intro
02:35-8:00 - Bike Details
08:00-13:40- Pros and Cons
13:40-18:00 - Riding the R100
#bmwparisdakar#adventurebike#bmwmotorcycle

[@motophoenix5951]

Nice bike. I have one of these, it is my go to machine. It is a 93 model, I bought it in 1995 with 14000 miles on the clock, it now has 413000 miles under it's wheels. In 52 years daily riding (don't have a car) it has been my all time favourite ride. I have ridden on it across Russia, into Africa, Asia and a lot round most countries in Europe. The engine is still running on it's original untouched crankshaft and rods and I took the final drive apart for the first time this year to replace the bearings. They are great bikes.

[@SirDrifto]

That is incredible.

[@sheene71]

just bought one of these last wek only done 11,000 miles been stood ten years !! gonna use it for the norway go to artic circle

[@brazilgerojim9634]

Mate you have it all these years without engine rebuild?

[@TXLorenzo]

I had the same 93 model and did 88K miles on it with no issues. Many trips to Mexico and Canada and multiple 1000 mile days. I ran synthetic oil and never needed to adjust the valves afterward. This bike could take a hit and keep on ticking like no other.

[@tonnynijholt7090]

Wauw just wauw

[@cartapouille]

I love how you talk about this one, riding my R100R from 1992 constantly, preparing for a road trip from Belgium to the south of France, this beauty got me going all the time. Simple and efficient, a fantastic noise, easy to ride (it's my first ever motorcycle, got it for 7 years, crashed it once, fixed it, runs like a charm). Thanks for this video, I can't imagine buying any other motorcycle actually, i would miss how the engines bounce left to right when you activate turn the gas!

[@SirDrifto]

And they just look tough standing still!

[@ernier9033]

Great to see someone who really appreciates this bike. I smashed the oil cooler in Morocco, no problem, bypassed it and the bike still ran perfectly. Once limped home with only one cylinder working, but it still got me home. My one is 32 years young as well. Like you I also have an F650 GS/Dakar, great thumper but more difficult to work on, and water-cooled. Enjoy and ride safe🕊

[@SirDrifto]

That sounds like an awesome adventure

[@Mardinex]

I can confirm everything you said. I have also owned a BMW 100GS for eight years and rode the El Chott Rally in 2016. 3000 km through the desert in two weeks at 44 Celcius (113 Fahrenheit). She feels especially comfortable on gravel roads where you can actually go up to 120 km/h (63 mph).While all the other motorcycles with their water-cooled engines had to repair your bikes all night, all I had to do was check the oil level, tire air pressure and blow out the desert air filter with compressed air. My service took me just 30 minutes every night. 2 years in advance for this rally I prepared in Germany on different motocross tracks. It was always especially fun at the technical scrutineering. The inspectors kept asking me if I really wanted to ride this huge bike on the motocross track. I proved them wrong. On one of these tracks there were two stairs that you had to ride up. I was scared to ride up those myself, since I've never ridden a staircase on this bike, but I never thought it would be so easy in second gear. It is an incredible bike and I will never sell it. Greetings from Switzerland

[@SirDrifto]

That sounds like an incredible adventure.

[@robertbotoole]

Stout is a great word for it. I have a '93 GSPD, 120,000 miles, so can definitely agree with you.

[@triumph951000]

Always my favorite BMW since I was a kid. Loved the setup with Supertrapp mufflers when they came into the shop I worked at years later. Simple rugged easy to maintain. Just grease the clutch splines when you're supposed to and they'll live forever

[@R757Rob]

Love mine! Raced the Mezcal Moto Rally from Austin Texas to Oaxaca Mexico back in April. My '92 PD was easily the oldest bike in the event. The bike performed flawlessly, and I'll be doing the Rally again in 2023.

[@SirDrifto]

That's awesome. How many miles was it?

[@TXLorenzo]

Wow, I have done that same ride on my PD, but that was almost thirty years ago, LOL

[@nawiribrahim]

Thanks for showing us you R 💯 GS. Love it. I have 2 Air cooled 1200 gs a 2009 and 2011 and absolutely love them.

[@SirDrifto]

Nice bike!!

[@andymueller82]

Great video. Sold my '93 R100GSPD this last year and am regretting it a bit. Had Hans Muth autograph mine, when he came to the R80/GS & R65LS anniversary rally recently (I have a video of that in my channel). Really enjoyed this content, thanks for posting it!

[@kholzbauer]

Well said, especially about the simplicity and durability of these bikes. I still own a R100R I bought new in 1992 (which essentially is the same bike, the same engine, frame and drivetrain, just with a more road-oriented setup) and it never let me down. While there were some defects like a leaking fuel line or a defective ignition cable, it always carried me home.

[@SirDrifto]

Yes absolutely 💯

[@MarcS4R]

great video , i have the r80 g/s Dakar and i love it

[@michaelfraser5723]

mutual adoration, man, that shaft drive is awesome

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Truly awesome video I'm on an 1150 GSA an really fancy one of the airheads at some point simple really is best :) (former modern tech ridden gs owner) I had a 2018 1200GS TE Rallye which was ok an my 2014 GSA TE had 2x ESA Shocks, Display, 2 engines, one FD, KTM 390 x2 went back for refund mine an dads full off issues with tft's fly by wire and general build quality. The difference as you say on the older stuff you can fix it I daily rode a 1967 Norton 650ss for 4 years with total reliability great bits of kit the older stuff an often under estimated. I moved away from the modern R1200GS Te as the keyless system TFT, Alternator/ Stator requiring engine removal to replace, The FD now being an entire consumable to the tune of £1500 ouch they now wont sell you the bearings! Brill channel an thanks for sharing.

[@Violaodabossa]

Thank you for the video🙏🏼👍🏼 I love my Berta too, as I call my R100GS PARIS DAKAR from '89. All is absolutely true what you said❗️ The old BMW Airheads are the most maintenance friendly bikes ever built. I am now 58 years old and started to ride bikes and drive cars when I was 11 years old . . . raised in the countryside of germany. I rode a lot of bikes, but my Berta is my beloved one. The engine made now 225.000 + mi and the engine was never opened, the transmission box either . . . but after the last Dirt Track I made with her it is now after 33 years necessary. Maintening Berta I will upgrade an 11,4gal HPN (acerbis) Fuel Tank and an Australian Wedgetail Ignition also. Keep up Buddy, always save journy and best wishes from Germany >Lutz

[@SirDrifto]

That's incredible. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheUlmenito]

I wish you lots of fun with this beautiful machine! .It is robust and extremely reliable!!!

[@SirDrifto]

Thank you 🤙

[@marcsyrene3781]

I have been treating my newly aquired 1977 r75/7 like a gs dakar. So far so good though I really need to fashion a bash plate.

[@joaoaguiar8131]

I have a 93 PD. These bikes are great! The best thing I've done to mine was to buy an ohlins shock, it was like having a new bike. Keep the videos coming!

[@SirDrifto]

I've heard thats a good upgrade

[@joaoaguiar8131]

On the first generation of paralevers they mounted the shock on the side and with a big angle, this created a lot of stress on the shock. Bmw noticed this and on the next generation of paralever they changed the shock to the center vertically. So this is why a good shock makes so much diference on these bikes.

[@steppenwolf5956]

I have an '93 version as well and I love it

[@Violaodabossa]

The Öhlins Shock, the White Power and the Wilbers (which I prefer) really improve the performance drastically positive 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@JGADV77]

Coming from an xr650l looking at a 88 r100gs bumblebee -always loved the bike. Looking to ride with africa twins etc, hopefully she can keep up better then the xr on road and be better on highway

[@user-gl2eq2ly4g]

I have a 94 Every time I ride another bike .... I realize how good a machine the PD is.

[@robertakerson7186]

I also like these GS bikes. Mine is an '88 model (not a P-D). One big problem I had was the drive shaft breaking at 35K miles; the drive shaft is not running in oil like in earlier airhead bikes and the new Paralever suspension puts extra strain on the shaft bearings. So I have a spare drive shaft ready to be sent via UPS to wherever I may be traveling when I ride the R100GS. But otherwise it's a great machine.

[@user-gl2eq2ly4g]

Mines a 94 with ohlins and upgraded ignition Love it

[@TroopThrowback]

Love my 1994 bumblebee R100GS though not a PD model. I prefer slim tank and dual seat for 2 up trips with my wife.

[@SirDrifto]

The bumblebee is a classic!

[@robsonenduro3316]

Just bought R nineT Urban GS, awesome bikes

[@marcosresto544]

The greatest sound of any motorcycle for me is my R100gs PD at speed accelerating. 🥰

[@timlavance867]

Yes!!! I have a 1993 PD..love it Had a 1988 bumblebee and a 1986 R 80 GS I wish I had kept..oh well

[@SirDrifto]

Oh man those bumblebee are cool

[@bonusrege]

R80G/S - te motocykle przetrwają atomowy wybuch.

[@fideliorr2810]

Nice bike super bike! I have one of these mod. 1989...

[@SirDrifto]

Don't ever sell it. They're getting rare

[@mangeshdehadray7979]

Wow...what a purposeful looking yet friendly bike....looks much better than the current generation GS...a true classic

[@SirDrifto]

Absolutely agree 👍

[@martinbohm399]

I got the 89 model one of the first built- well - youre rigt - its the " bring you back home" bike itself - and when you reach your garage after xxxx km / miles and youre done from the trip - the next driver can take the keys and repeat the trip..... I enjoy every km with my gs - the only thing i changed are the suspensions rear and front.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

When I was younger I had a Honda Africa Twin when I could have had the BM… what a fool!

[@SirDrifto]

Idk the Africa twin is pretty badass aswell. I'd ride oneQ

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

@@SirDrifto yes.. but bad ass is the problem. Once after some 500 mile days I pulled up at the top of an Alpine pass in Italy, it was beautiful and my ass was protesting. Next to where I parked was an older German guy on a R100 and I said could I try it out for size. The moment my butt was cupped by the gentle caress of the Beemer’s saddle, I knew I was basically a fashion victim. 25 years on I’m still bitter! But two weeks ago I got a Ural and I can report the BMW genes run strong in this strange sidecar contraption so all is well in the universe. Not put a video up on KZbin for ages, but I’m thinking the Ural may give me the reason. All the best from Britain, Marcus

[@rustynuts82]

Yep, I went down to one cylinder on my 80g/s because a coil failed. Rode home on one cylinder…..slowly!

[@SirDrifto]

Legendary motor

[@briancalliari4421]

Well now that I live in Loveland, maybe we'll have the opportunity to ride together. I have a 1992 R100GSPD that I'm finishing up some modifications to and hope to have it ready for the spring riding season.

[@SirDrifto]

How cool! I'm west of broomfield

[@frankabels5761]

Great vid. I have the same one in Black from 89. The only cons of this bike are maybe the Speed. A newer bike might have more power...but for me it is enough. AND the safety Tools.. No ABS, no ESP, no different riding modes. You have to watch out carefully, because it takes a while till you stand still, when you break...but if you aware this, this bike makes a lot of fun. I rode many different bikes, like the vstrom, the ktm adventure, the multistrada, the bmw 1200 gs, the Bandit 1200 S, Suzuki 650 or a Harley Davidson ...no bike is so Complete for me... Till now I only ride my cow on streets. But next year I think I will try it offroad. Which tyres Do you use? Wish you a merry xmas... 13:56

[@szlaeyer22]

I'm yellow with envy. Because of that Yamaha, too.

[@robpinter5431]

I am disappointed with my 1980 R80g/s, I had to replace the rear main oil seal and it still had the original clutch plate....Love riding older BM's as they just do what it is needed in an analogue way. In 1998 I bought a new R1100GS and it was fantastic, but really wanted a new R100 GS Dakar but no more were left in Australia.

[@SirDrifto]

Has the r80 been reliable

[@bepacman]

180⁰ V engine, boxer, flat but not and opposed cylinder engine. It is a beautiful bike I wish I had one, the new GS's wish to be this bike.

[@SirDrifto]

Great points 👌

[@alexshaffer3819]

going to look at a 93 GS this morning.

[@GuiRt1150]

Must see : “Pierre Marie Poli I Dakar 1988“ Crazy evolution Of your bike 👍👍👍

[@SirDrifto]

I will check that out! Thank you for sharing.

[@GuiRt1150]

Bmw ecureuil 1000 👍👍

[@EnriqueGonzalez-iu3so]

Great Video! Thanks for share! would you tell us what brand of tires are and sizes please? looks great! what about the battery ? is necesary the big one from factory? Thanks

[@sam.6226]

enjoyed this, respect to the beemer

[@sarahdell4042]

I’ve always loved these! Recently rode one, and WOW are these heavy.

[@SirDrifto]

They ain't light 🤣

[@Violaodabossa]

Hi Sarah, yeah they're ain't light, having 478 lb with fuel, but when they roll, you drive them as easy like a bicycle 🤣☺️👍🏼

[@sarahdell4042]

@@Violaodabossa It’s picking them up multiple times off road that sucks.

[@robertbotoole]

235kg with a full tank, but easy to pick up due to weight distribution and shape. Also, no reason to fill the tank if trail riding, so can run lighter.

[@teamground0229]

I wanted to buy an airhead. First one I looked at was an 80GS in nice shape. Drove 2 hours with cash in hand. The seller tells me that someone else had called before me and would not sell it to me. Strange guy, think he was shaking me down for more money. Ended up with a 77 R100. The GS airheads are scarce and high priced. Thinking of morphing the R100 into more adventure. Tires are kind of difficult to fit for that bike (19 front and 18 rear).

[@rafaele84]

I'm lucky got that bike from owner have it for.last 20years have 52K miles only 1995y.(Looks like new)Next week i will be leegal on the road as only finish my licence 😂😂 can wait when go for first trip 🎉🎉

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

The best boxer ever! Modern bikes are way less dependable due to over complex electrics, more unreliable noisy engines and they have got way too heavy. My favourite ever was the 1990 R80GS, a bike which was simple, smooth and indestructible. Modern equivalent for toughness and dependability would be the Vstrom650 .

[@EnriqueGonzalez-iu3so]

Those tires are tubless?? what brand ? Motoz ?

[@user-re3lz4qm5z]

I had one…95 model with the first gen abs…amazing bike

[@adambanks4767]

I just bought a 94 3 weeks ago. Red and white gravel decals and solo seat. Very happy.

[@jacobac42]

I know this is an old video, but out of curiosity, where in Colorado was this?

[@SirDrifto]

This is near las vegas

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

👍

[@timhenning18]

Where you from mate?

[@michaelfraser5723]

1:31 beautiful women love beautiful motorcycles !

[@chriscoogan8090]

No kick start??? Gaston would be disappointed

[@SirDrifto]

I wish this had a kickstart!

[@michaelfraser5723]

2:18 another

[@lex1945]

Nothing beats the original. the newer ones are to big, too heavy, and hung full with unnecessary stuff, lights and god knows what else more, just to take it out on asphalt by a 50 year old as a daily commuter..

[@SirDrifto]

So true 👍

[@charlesswank6498]

I have a 91 euro spec bumblebee. I will never sell mine.

[@SirDrifto]

Good man, hold onto it forever

[@kylehurlbrink]

Same here. The low speed handling is incredible

[@charlesbradley2943]

One serious con. The brakes/ability to stop is horrible ! Owned a 1995 GSPD Classic.

[@SirDrifto]

Yeah the front disks could use improvement

[@ernier9033]

@@SirDriftoHi, I installed a 6-piston brake calliper which is a great improvement but not optimal (an emergency stop once twisted the forks with all the braking force on one side!) Customers in Germany had the option to buy this model with twin brake rotors (discs) and that enables improved, balanced braking🕊

[@tcmits3699]

"Mechanical complication increases the possibility of mechanical failure "

[@SirDrifto]

True

[@gustavbohner7123]

Deutsches Motorrad in Englisch präsentiert No Go

[@motocrucian]

I love these bikes too and I remember when they came out as I working at the local BMW dealer that year, in-fact I my latest BMW is a 2015 R1200GSA, but I need to disagree with you about the reason why BMW won the Paris Dakar @1:35... "The R80 G/S was created almost by accident by engineer Rüdiger Gutsche, he created a specially adapted BMW R75/5 and used it to compete in the International Six Days Trial, one of the toughest off-road motorcycle competitions in the world. By 1980 a production version was ready and in 1981 Hubert Auriol rode one to a win in that year’s Paris-Dakar Rally. He did it again in 1983, then Gaston Rahier won the Dakar on an R80 G/S in 1984, achieving another victory on a modified version with a larger 1,000 cc 1985." I find it odd that you don't even mention any of this. I could go on but check this out and it'll give you some insight as to why the 1985 race was memorable and why that particular bike is a bit more famous than the others before it... jalopnik.com/bmw-won-dakar-in-1985-with-a-busted-junker-of-a-motorcy-1843053553 www.elsolitariomc.com/blog/2017/10/31/1985-wtf-moment-gaston-rahier-the-humongous-paris-dakar-bmw/

[@SirDrifto]

Yes my knowledge on the exact PD victories is not up to par.

[@pavloslepeniotis9265]

do not compare rols rois with pinto